Luna Negra Dance Theater latest showcase is inspired by a complex, controversial and talented figure.
Frida! is inspired by the art and life of Frida Kahlo, the renowned artist whose work first appeared in the 1920s and still resonates today.
Cafe magazine spoke with Luna's artistic director Michelle Manzanales about the project, which will debut Saturday at the theater's annual spring show Saturday at the Harris Theater.
"I fell in love with the idea after doing research about her and watching movies about her," Manzanales told Cafe. "I thought, 'I have to do this. It's going to be amazing.'"
Manzanales uses multiple Fridas in the piece in order to portray the different layers and aspects of the artist's life, and the piece also incorporates music from the movie soundtrack from a film about Kahlo.
Saturday's program also features two other works revealing the complexity and richness of Mexico's cultural influence on contemporary Latino choreographers.
Harris Theater in Millennium Park, 205 East Randolph Dr., Tickets $25-$55
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